The Carleton University Student Association has reversed course on its decision last week to cancel an annual fundraiser for cystic fibrosis research. The move came after intense criticism and a media firestorm. Last week, CUSA dropped the fundraiser from its frosh plans because, in their words, the disease “only affects white people, primarily men.” CUSA’s president, Brittany Smyth, issued a public apology and announced an emergency meeting on Monday, Dec. 1 to discuss reinstating the fundraiser.
Still, many students are frustrated with the association’s recent actions and its damage to Carleton’s reputation. They are calling for the impeachment of Smyth and Donnie Northrup, the council member who drafted the CF motion.
Many students have turned to Facebook to voice their opinions. At press time, the Facebook group “Students do Support Shinerama, CUSA! Because Diseases Don’t Discriminate!” had reached well over 4,000 members.
In the past two days, a petition to remove Smyth from office garnered 1,000 of the 1,250 student signatures needed. A separate petition to impeach Northrup collected about 40 of the 90 required signatures.
CF is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system. Although Caucasians are more likely to carry the abnormal gene that causes the disease, CF is prevalent among all races and genders.